Ball Ramp Experiments
This set of experiments uses the Ball Ramp (ME-7075) to do acceleration, projectile, conservation of energy, and conservation of momentum experiments.
Grade Level: College • High School
Subject: Physics
Activities
01) Uniform Acceleration Down an Inclined Plane
Determine how the distance the ball rolls down the plane depends on time and determine how the speed of the ball depends on time.
02) Projectile Motion Using a Ball Ramp
Determine the velocity of a ball at the bottom of the ball ramp by measuring where it hits the floor. Verify that result by measuring the velocity of the ball with photogates.
03) Conservation of Energy of Ball on Ramp
Verify that potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as a ball rolls down a ramp. The kinetic energy includes translational and rotational kinetic energy.
04) Conservation of Momentum in Two Dimensions
A ball rolls down a ramp and collides with a second stationary ball. Confirm that momentum is conserved for elastic collisions in two dimensions.
